Humpback Whale Research

The objective of the project is to gather useful information about humpback whales and their marine ecosystem, and form an ongoing picture of their health and well-being.

Research expedition highlights

• Learn from experienced marine biologists and scientists and assist with their ongoing research projects;
• Have countless unforgettable encounters with enormous ocean giants;
• Learn new research techniques and work alongside marine scientists;
• Snorkel amazing coral reefs and learn to identify fishes and other sea creatures;
• Opportunities to snorkel with some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures, including whale sharks, giant manta rays and sea turtles;
• Live on the beach and enjoy the local Mozambican seafood and hospitality.

Humpback Whale Research

Humpback whales make annual journeys from Antarctica to the East African coast, as far north as Tanzania, where they mate and calf. In the African winter, hundreds of humpback whales are seen in the waters in and around Tofo. Without the presence of predators in the water they seem extremely playful and you can watch them play from the shore and the volunteer house, as well as get up close as you go on daily boat based research expeditions.

• Participate in four boat based humpback whale research expeditions a week and whale watch from the stunning shores of southern Mozambique;
• If it is safe to do so, enter the water for an unforgettable close-up encounter (no diving experience is necessary);
• Collect data on humpback whale behaviour, movement patterns, habitat use and pod structures;
• Record individual whale songs on a hydrophone;
• Learn how to photographically identify individual whales to add to the Mozambique Whale Database;
• Learn about humpback whale behaviour, ecology, anatomy, and life history;
• Complete research within one of the most bioproductive regions on the planet.

Although this expedition is focused on the humpback whale, you will also have the opportunity to view and collect data on whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays from both the boat and during snorkelling expeditions. You will also collect data on estuary and ocean health and participate in coral garden conservation.

Community Outreach

More than 60% of Mozambique’s population live in coastal areas, which places significant pressure on the marine environment. Many species are vulnerable to illegal poaching, many Mozambicans fear the sea and the majority cannot swim.

There may be opportunities to visit some of the local fishing villages and meet with the local community, to understand their daily lives and challenges. There will be regular beach clean-ups, which volunteers will also participate in.

What else will I experience?

• Enjoy sailboat and snorkelling expeditions to the local estuary and coral gardens where you will monitor the health of this unique, diverse, and stunningly beautiful eco-system;
• Explore the mangrove forests and freshwater lakes;
• Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture by connecting Mozambicans to their marine environment;
• Live beside one of Mozambique’s most beautiful beaches;
• Explore local villages markets;
• Visit Pandane, which boasts one of the best snorkelling reefs in Mozambique
• Sample local cuisine, which must include Mozambique’s world-famous peri-peri prawns

This is not a diving programme, but volunteers may spend some of their free time learning to dive or may join a local dive team on their regular dives (optional extra – additional charges apply and must be paid locally).

Volunteers stay at a beachside lodge, as close to the beach as you can get – with the ocean less than 100m from your verandah. Volunteers have their own house, overlooking the beach, with five twin (same sex) bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house can accommodate up to 10 volunteers at a time, so it never feels crowded. There is a daily housekeeper to clean and do laundry, and the house has a fully outfitted kitchen with essential food items such as bread, milk and eggs, plus tea, coffee and water. Mosquito nets and fans are provided in the rooms.

Three meals a day are provided during your stay, either in the lodge restaurant or you will have a braai (bbq). The food includes western food (pastas, rice, meat, vegetables), as well as lots of seafood and traditional Mozambican delicacies. Vegetarians and vegans can be provided for with advance notice, and please let us know if you do not eat fish or shellfish. If you require a gluten free diet, you may be asked to bring some items with you which are not locally available.

There is internet in the lodge restaurant and a laptop that can be used for basic emails, but long Skype calls and downloading of music and videos are not allowed. Local SIM cards for your phone, are available to purchase if you plan on using a lot of data.

“The accommodation is amazing, literally steps from the beach. It was clean and well-maintained, with a verandah overlooking the ocean – spectacular!”

When can I volunteer?

Volunteers can join this marine conservation expedition in two week blocks from late June to the end of September. The peak whale season is August. It is possible to do a week on this project, but we do recommend a longer stay if you can. Please enquire for one week availability and pricing.

If you are also a keen diver, why not combine the expedition with some time underwater at our Marine Conservation Programme, which is based at the same location in Tofo and is the same price.

2023-2024 project pricing:

2 weeks: £1,899
3 weeks: £2,399
4 weeks: £2,899
5 weeks: £3,299
Each additional week £500 / week up to a maximum of 12 weeks.

Pricing includes 4 whale research trips per week, daily scientific talks, participation in long-term whale photographic identification, swimming and snorkelling with whales.

What’s included in the cost?

• Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of equipment, boats and vehicles etc;
• Accommodation and three meals per day;
• Return transfers from Inhambane Airport;
• Estuary and snorkelling tours;
• All snorkelling equipment (wetsuits, masks etc);
• Comprehensive orientation and supervision;
• Practical instruction on research techniques and identification;
• Equipment and materials required to do your work;
• Internet (no streaming).

What’s not included?

• Flights or travel to Inhambane, Mozambique;
• Visa fees;
• Travel insurance (compulsory);
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, snacks, extra activities
• Pre and / or post programme accommodation
• Additional excursions
• Local SIM card and data / airtime bundles (optional)
• Administration fee (£40)

View our booking terms and conditions. **March 2020 UPDATE: view our updated terms and conditions*

Humpback whale research and conservation

Southern Mozambique’s waters are the winter breeding ground of large numbers of humpback whales. The programme collects information on behaviour, acoustics, genetics and demographics, and is building a photo-id database of individual whales. One of the uses of the data is to counter the ‘scientific whaling’ argument, that you must kill a whale in order to determine its age.

Community engagement and alternative livelihood development

60% of Mozambique’s people live in coastal areas, placing increasing and significant pressure on the marine environment. Illegal poaching and over-fishing are endemic. Volunteers are involved with community livelihood and sustainable fishing projects to reduce the reliance on fragile marine resources.

Marine megafauna research

Research focuses on the area’s strong populations of whale sharks and manta rays, endangered reef turtles, and dolphins. Their goal is to complete world-leading research on the diversity, habitat use, demographics and movement patterns of these animals to inform long term conservation practices and strategies. By combining this research with data collected on the smaller marine creatures, such as plankton, sea horses and smaller rays, a picture of Tofo’s complete ocean ecosystem can be formed.

Click on the link for more information about participating on our diving-based Marine Conservation Programme.

The legendary beaches of Tofo and Barra boast some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, and is a world-renowned scuba mecca. Additionally the area is home to large populations of marine megafauna, including manta rays, dolphins, reef and hammerhead sharks, turtles and of course, in-season humpback whales. The area is also home to one of the largest concentrations of whale sharks in Africa, where 50-strong congregations are not uncommon. Mozambique has stringent marine conservation laws to protect as much of the ocean as possible.

Our Marine Conservation volunteer programme was designed by a world-renowned manta ray biologist and a whale shark expert, who spent a decade gathering data in Mozambique. This annual humpback whale research expedition is an extension of that programme, focusing on the annual migration of hundreds of whales through the Mozambican waters, to breed and calve.

The community surrounding Tofo is one of the poorest in Mozambique. Many marine species are vulnerable to illegal poaching or non-sustainable fishing methods; many Mozambicans fear the sea and the majority cannot swim. Successful conservation relies as much on community support as scientific research, and volunteers will also get involved in community development initiatives.

The project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills, enhance their career path, and help preserve threatened marine mammals.

For the latest travel advice, please visit our Mozambique destination page.

Do I need to be able to dive?

This is not a diving programme. Should you wish to undertake underwater marine conservation, please visit our Marine Conservation Programme page. It would be helpful if you are able to communicate reasonably well in spoken English.

How old do I need to be?

The minimum volunteering age for solo travellers is 18 years and the average age is 20-35 years. There is no upper age limit, but for volunteers aged over 65, we do require your medical form to be signed by a doctor.

How many people will there be?

There is a maximum of 8 volunteers at one time, plus staff, researchers and volunteer co-ordinators.

When can I join?

Arrival days are flexible, but you may be be asked to join with other travellers if possible.

When is the best time to come?

There is no best time to visit Mozambique’s coastal areas as the diving is amazing year round and there are always sitings of whale sharks, other types of shark and manta rays. June – September is humpback whale season when hundreds of whales migrate through the Tofo waters. In April and May the diving is excellent and during October and November you are also joined by the turtles who come to breed. August can get windy but the winter days of June, July and August are a lovely temperature with lower humidity.

How long can I volunteer for?

The minimum project length is two weeks, and the maximum is 8 weeks.

Do I get some time off?

The working day is normally from 0730 – 1600. Outside of those times, and weekends are at leisure, although activities may be planned, such as trips to Inhambane, snorkelling expeditions and boat trips.

How much spending money should I bring?

We recommend bringing around $50-100 a week in either USD or GBP to cover personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, snacks, tips and meals out. You can draw money at local ATMs – a Visa card is preferred.

Do I need a visa?

Volunteers should obtain a tourist visa and we recommend you organise this before you travel. If there is a Mozambican embassy in your country of residence, you must obtain a visa prior to travel. Use this link to find your nearest embassy. We will provide you with a letter of support in this situation.

It is your responsibility to check your visa eligibility prior to arrival.

What animals will I encounter?

Tofo is a year-round hotspot for whale sharks and manta rays, and also populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins. Sea turtles, sharks and rays are common along the shores, including the iconic reef shark. July – September is the humpback whale migration, where hundreds of these ocean giants fill the water – an amazing sight.

What vaccinations do I need?

Please consult your GP or travel clinic for detailed medical advice. All volunteers should make sure their Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A and B are up to date. Malaria – the project is regarded as a medium-high risk malaria area, but please consult your GP for guidance, and if you plan on diving, be sure to get a suitable medication. Note that the following anti-malarials are NOT allowed: Lariam, Mefloquine (Mefliam) and Quinine. Please visit this UK government website for more details.